Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during practice Sunday, October 18, ending his highly anticipated NBA comeback before the regular season could begin. The 30-year-old former All-Star will undergo surgery and is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 season.
The injury occurred during a live practice drill, just three days before Sacramento’s season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. An MRI confirmed the tear, according to the Kings, leaving the organization without a player who had impressed coaches during training camp and preseason games.
Simmons had signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Sacramento in September after missing the entire 2025-26 season. He had spent the previous year recovering from persistent back and leg problems that repeatedly interrupted his once-promising career.
The setback came at a particularly difficult moment for Simmons, who appeared ready to establish himself as a valuable part of the Kings’ rotation. He had started Sacramento’s final preseason game and was expected to receive significant playing time when the season opened.
Although the team has not announced a specific recovery timetable, the severity of an Achilles tendon rupture makes his return this season highly unlikely. ESPN reported that the injury was expected to end his 2026-27 campaign.
Simmons Responds With Emotional Instagram Message
Shortly after news of the injury became public, Simmons addressed the setback in a message shared through his Instagram account.
He acknowledged the disappointment of being forced away from basketball again after spending so much time preparing for his return. His statement emphasized determination rather than uncertainty about whether he would attempt another comeback.
“This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story,” Simmons wrote.
He explained that previous physical and emotional challenges had taught him the importance of perseverance. Although the latest injury created another obstacle, Simmons said he intended to approach rehabilitation with the same determination that helped him return to basketball.
He also reflected on how much the sport meant to him after his extended absence. The opportunity to compete again had given him renewed motivation, making the timing of the injury especially disappointing.
His message ended with an expression of confidence that he would recover and find a way forward. He did not announce a retirement plan or provide a specific date for returning to competition.
For Simmons, the injury adds another chapter to a career shaped by both outstanding achievements and repeated medical setbacks.
A Promising Preseason Comes to an Abrupt End
Before Sunday’s injury, Simmons had generated optimism within the Kings organization through his training camp performances and preseason appearances.
He played in two exhibition games, averaging 10.5 points, four rebounds and four assists in approximately 17 minutes per contest.
His most encouraging performance came against the San Antonio Spurs on October 16. Simmons finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, demonstrating the passing ability and versatility that once made him one of the NBA’s most promising young players.
The performance suggested that his extended rehabilitation had helped him regain some of the physical capabilities affected by previous injuries.
Simmons appeared more willing to attack the basket and contribute offensively than he had during the final stages of his earlier NBA career. His size also gave Sacramento the option of using him in several positions.
At 6 feet 10 inches tall, Simmons offers an unusual combination of ballhandling, passing and defensive versatility. During his best seasons, those qualities allowed him to operate as a point guard while defending players across multiple positions.
Sacramento coach Doug Christie and general manager Scott Perry had been impressed by Simmons during offseason workouts. The organization subsequently completed a contract agreement after evaluating his health and readiness to compete.
The positive signs continued into preseason competition, making the Achilles injury an unexpected setback for both player and team.
Kings Must Adjust Opening-Night Plans
Sacramento entered the final days of preseason preparing to integrate Simmons into a lineup featuring rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. and established veterans.
The team had viewed Simmons as a versatile contributor who could handle the ball, organize possessions and provide defensive flexibility.
Reports differed on whether he would begin the season as a starter or serve primarily as a reserve behind Acuff. His strong preseason performance had made him a serious candidate for a prominent role.
With Simmons unavailable, Christie must redistribute minutes and adjust the combinations he planned to use.
The Kings still have several established offensive players, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray. Acuff, a first-year guard from Arkansas, is expected to receive significant responsibility as Sacramento begins the season.
Simmons’ absence also removes an experienced playmaker who could have supported the rookie during his adjustment to professional basketball.
Other players may receive additional opportunities as the coaching staff reorganizes its rotation. Forward Precious Achiuwa is among those who could benefit from changes to Sacramento’s planned lineup.
The injury does not necessarily require Sacramento to pursue an immediate replacement, but it creates another challenge for a team seeking improvement after a difficult previous season.
The Kings will open their regular-season schedule Wednesday, October 21, against the Clippers in Inglewood, California.
A Career Interrupted by Repeated Injuries
Simmons entered the NBA as one of the most highly regarded prospects of his generation.
The Philadelphia 76ers selected him first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft after one season at Louisiana State University.
A foot injury prevented him from playing during the 2016-17 season, but he made an immediate impact when he finally debuted.
Simmons won NBA Rookie of the Year honors for the 2017-18 season and developed into a central figure in Philadelphia’s young roster.
He earned three consecutive All-Star selections from 2019 through 2021 and received recognition for his defensive ability. His combination of size, court vision and athleticism created difficult matchups for opposing teams.
However, his career changed dramatically following Philadelphia’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Simmons faced criticism over his reluctance to shoot and his offensive performances during the series. A prolonged dispute with the 76ers followed, and he eventually joined the Brooklyn Nets in a trade involving James Harden.
His time in Brooklyn was disrupted by injuries, particularly problems involving his back. Those issues required surgery and repeatedly limited his availability.
Simmons later joined the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season, but he struggled to regain the consistent production that defined his earlier years.
Across 51 games with Brooklyn and the Clippers that season, he averaged five points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds.
Those numbers were considerably below his peak production in Philadelphia, where his playmaking and defense had established him as an All-Star.
Rather than sign with another team immediately, Simmons missed the 2025-26 season while concentrating on rehabilitation.
His September agreement with Sacramento represented an opportunity to restart his career in a new environment without the same expectations that accompanied his earlier contracts.
Recovery Now Becomes the Priority
An Achilles tendon rupture is among the more serious injuries a professional basketball player can experience. The tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and plays an essential role in running, jumping and changing direction.
Recovery following surgical repair generally involves an extended rehabilitation process. Athletes must rebuild strength, mobility and confidence before returning to the demands of competitive basketball.
The timing varies by patient, surgical outcome and individual progress. Previous NBA players have returned successfully from Achilles injuries, but recovery does not guarantee that an athlete will regain the same level of performance.
For Simmons, the rehabilitation process could be particularly demanding because he has already experienced recurring physical problems.
The Kings have confirmed that surgery is planned, but they have not publicly announced a procedure date or a detailed rehabilitation schedule.
His one-year contract also creates uncertainty about his professional future. The agreement covers the 2026-27 season, meaning Simmons could face another decision about his next team while recovering.
At 30, he remains younger than many established NBA veterans. Whether he can return to the form that earned him three All-Star selections will depend on his recovery and future opportunities.
The injury news also arrives as Simmons prepares to share more of his personal story through Being Ben, an ESPN documentary examining his career and attempts to return to professional basketball.
For now, Sacramento must begin its season without him, and Simmons faces another lengthy period away from competition. His immediate focus will be surgery and rehabilitation after a comeback that ended before he could play a regular-season game for the Kings.
IMAGE: Ben Simmons dunk Source https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeglo/49176736011/ Author All-Pro Reels This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.